All area codes are 850 unless specified.
Topsail tours
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park in Santa Rosa Beach will hold the following tours. A $2 park entrance fee is required. Outside tours are cancelled during severe weather. For information, call 267-0299.
•Breakfast with a Ranger: Ask questions about wildlife from 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 13. To cover the cost of food, bring $5/adults and $3/children, which goes to Friends of Topsail Hill Preserve State Park to enhance the park.
Biophilia Center
Mike Kay presents the importance of aquaculture and its influence on the conservation of coral reefs at 11a.m. and 1 p.m. Oct. 13. Standard admission rates apply. Call 835-1824.
Choctawhatchee Audubon Society
• Oct. 13: Bird Walk at Oak Tree Nature Park in Mary Esther led by Lenny Fenimore. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at Coach and Four Restaurant on N. Lewis Turner Blvd. and at the Park at 7:50 a.m. Call 863-0239. Wear long pants and sleeves.
• Oct. 20: Field Trip to Taminco/Air Products Wildlife Refuge near Milton. Register by Oct. 6 at birdman6419@cox.net or 862-3498. Bring personal identification. Meet at 7 a.m. at Uptown Station in Fort Walton and then at 7:50 a.m. at the Waffle House at the Hwy. 87 Exit from I-10 near Milton. Be prepared for a walk in the woods: water, sunscreen, long pants and sleeves, hat, and insect repellent.
Best of the Emerald Coast
The 2012 winners voted The Best by readers of Emerald Coast Magazine will be on display from 6-9 p.m. Oct. 13 at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin along the main street. The evening includes food, fun, fashion and entertainment, silent auction, and live music. Admission is $25/advance and $35/day of. All proceeds benefit the Junior League of the Emerald Coast. Tickets can be purchased at Today's Boutique, Sarah K’s Gourmet, Silver Sands customer service kiosk, Copy Systems in Destin’s Walmart, and the Regions Bank in Destin or on-line at www.jlec.org. Call 862-2665.
Book signing
Author Robbie L. Rogers of Santa Rosa Beach will sign copies of his book, “Guilty of No Wrongdoing,” from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 13 at Sundog Books, 89 Central Square in Santa Rosa Beach.
Vettes at the Village
The Village of Baytowne Wharf and Playground Corvette Club present Vettes at the Village from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 13 at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Area Corvette Clubs bring “America’s Sports Car” to the event, shined to the max and wanting your vote as favorite Corvette at the show. Visit www.playgroundcorvetteclub.com/VATV/vatv.html.
Republican Women
The Walton Republican Women Federated will meet at 11 a.m. Oct. 17 at Carrabba's Italian Grill at Silver Sands Premium Outlet. United States Representative Jeff Miller will be guest speaker. Lunch is $18/members and $20/guests and reservations should be made before noon on Oct. 15 at 837-5321 or macrozier@cox.net.
Senior seminar
Mainstay Financial Group will present a course on retirement and financial planning at 10 a.m. Oct. 17 in the Suite 3 Resource Center conference room at Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast. To register for this free seminar, call 278-3600 or visit www.sacredheartemerald.org.
Green Thumb Garden Club
The Green Thumb Garden Club will meet at 9:45 a.m. Oct. 17 at the Linkside Conference Center on the Bayside of Sandestin Resort, Miramar Beach. Ed and Lynn Fabian of the Fort Walton Beach Bonsai Society will present a program on the history and art of bonsai. Lunch is $20 payable by cash or check at the door. Reservations required Oct. 14 at 650-5872 or mebbourne@aol.com.
$2 Sale
The semi-annual $2 Sale to benefit Child Care Services will be held from 3-7 p.m. Oct. 19 at Paradise Point Shopping Center, Unit 9, in the Publix Shopping Center in Fort Walton Beach with admission of $10. Also from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 20 with $5 entrance fee and 1-5 p.m. Oct. 21 with no entrance fee. No men or children; cash only. All proceeds benefit children from low-income working families receiving child care assistance in Okaloosa and Walton Counties.
Beer From Around Here
Marlin Grill at Baytowne Wharf hosts the Third Annual Beer From Around Here featuring barbeque by Jim ‘N Nick’s, beer pairings from local breweries and live music on the lawn from 6-8 p.m. Oct. 19 to kick off The Village of Baytowne Wharf’s Beer Festival. Tickets can be purchased at Marlin Grill or online www.baytownebeerfestival.com for $35. Discounted weekend passes available. Call 351-1990.
Baytowne Wharf Beer Festival
Known as the “Best Beer Fest on the Emerald Coast,” the Fifth Annual Baytowne Wharf Beer Festival from 2-6 p.m. Oct. 19-20 features 40 on-site craft brewers, more than 100 domestic and international beers, seminars and samplings and live music. Tickets are $25/advance and $30/day of. Visit www.baytownebeerfestival.com for a complete schedule.
Kids’ cancer bake sale
Kitchenique will hold a kids’ cancer bake sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 20 on U.S. 98 at City Market in Destin. Proceeds will benefit Cookies for Kids’ Cancer, a not-for-profit organization committed to raising funds to support research for new and improved therapies for pediatric cancers.
Kitchenique will offer a wide assortment of baked goodies perfect for Halloween celebrations. Gluten free, organic and sugar free treats will be available.
Fundraiser
Pizza By the Sea will host a fundraiser for Alaqua Animal Refuge all day Oct. 20 in WaterColor shopping plaza by Publix. Buy a pizza and say the secret word, “Alaqua,” and a portion of the sale will be donated to Alaqua.
Seaside Rep
The Seaside Rep presents Den of Thieves at 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, through Oct. 20 at the Seaside Meeting Hall Theatre. Tickets are $25 at www.seasiderep.org.
• Every Christmas Story Ever Told: December TBA at the Seaside Meeting Hall Theatre.
Sale on the Circle
Circle Drive around the Lake Yard in DeFuniak Springs will host the Fifth Annual Sale on the Circle from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 20. Antiques, crafts, collectibles, flea market and yard sale items will be on sale and gumbo by Ellen will be available. Box lunch available. The event benefits St. Agatha’s Episcopal Church. Call 830-7663 for space reservations.
Rosemary Beach Uncorked
Enjoy a unique open-air food and wine event, Rosemary Beach Uncorked, as you stroll cobblestone streets and explore the diverse culinary styles of eight restaurants from 1-5 p.m. Oct. 20 at the town center restaurants. Advance tickets are $75 and $95 at door. Email info@rosemarybeachuncorked.com or call 855-819-2220.
Lakeview Concert Series
The Silver Strings Trio will present a free concert at 3 p.m. Oct. 21 at the First United Methodist Church on Circle Drive in DeFuniak Springs. Program includes some rarely heard Baroque gems, classical, a bit of Gershwin and possibly a tango or two. A reception follows. A collection will be taken to support future concerts.
Growing and Cooking with Herbs workshop
The Walton County Extension Service will host a Growing and Cooking with Herbs workshop from 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 23 at the Coastal Branch Office, 70 Logan Lane in Santa Rosa Beach. A workshop will also be held from 4-6 p.m. Oct. 23 at the Walton County Extension, 732 North 9th Street in DeFuniak Springs. Cost is $5/person and includes sample foods, materials, recipe book, and take home herb clippings. Contact 892-8172 by Oct. 19 to RSVP.
Book sale
The Friends of the Coastal Library annual fall book sale will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 27 in the community room at the Coastal Branch Library in Santa Rosa Beach. Friends, new members, and those wishing to join the Friends Group are invited to the pre-sale from 3-5 p.m. Oct 26. All proceeds benefit the library with purchase of new books and items. Call 267-2809.
Harvest Festival
Chautauqua Vineyards & Winery will host the Annual Harvest Festival Oct. 27. Crafters from all over the Southeast will show off their talents. The arts and crafts show will offer jewelry, paintings, art, baskets, scarves, woodwork, embroidery work, and many more hand crafted items. Local car clubs will present a spectacular cruise in competition. There will be a variety of cars, something for everyone to see. A $100 prize and 3 foot trophy goes to the best in show.
The local Kiwanis Club will serve up hot food and live entertainment will open with classic sounds by Smokin' Rodeo from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Geoff McBride, local rising star and R&B singer featured on NBC's The Voice, will take the stage from 2-6 p.m.
Free pastel art demonstration
The Pastel Society of North Florida will host a free demonstration by world renowned instructor and Pastel Society of America Hall of Fame Honoree Richard McKinley from 12-3 p.m. Oct. 27 at the Bayou Arts Center, 105 Hogtown Bayou Lane in Santa Rosa Beach.
Pajama Time Story Time
Join storyteller Ms. Cheryl at 6 p.m. every Monday in the children’s room of the Coastal Library for some bedtime stories in your pajamas. This will be a quiet time for little readers to relax to a bedtime story in the comfort of their caretaker’s arms. Call 267-2809.
Prime Time
Openings are available in a variety of non-credit personal enrichment classes offered by the PRIME Time program at Northwest Florida State College. Individuals may enroll at all seven NWFSC locations. The majority of courses are held at the college’s Niceville campus and South Walton Center. The PRIME Time schedule of classes and information is available at www.nwfsc.edu/schedule or call the NWFSC Continuing Education Department at 729-6084. Open to adults of any age, PRIME Time non-credit classes range from $5 to $75.
Baby Boot Camp
Boot Camp in Santa Rosa Beach offers a 55-minute workout designed specifically to help new and seasoned moms with stroller-age children get back into shape after having a baby at 9:45 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday mornings and at 5:45 p.m. on Wednesdays.
Wednesday Night Concert Series
The Village of Baytowne Wharf presents a free concert with Cadillac Willy from 6-8 p.m. Oct. 17 in the Events Plaza. Call 267-8186.
• Oct. 24: Delta Reign: Bluegrass
• Oct. 31: Trick or Treat Street at Baytowne
Zumba classes
Zumba With Marcia classes will be held at 6:30 p.m. Mondays, 6 p.m. Thursdays, 8:30 a.m. Fridays and 9 a.m. Saturdays at Premiere Performers Academy in Santa Rosa Beach; 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays at The Studio in Seaside; and 8:30 a.m. Wednesdays at Rosemary Beach Fitness Center.
Marie's Bistro
Singer/guitarist Bill Evett performs from 6-10 p.m. Fridays with DJ Shane beginning at 10 p.m. at Marie’s Bistro on 30A in Blue Mountain Beach. Karaoke takes center stage on Wednesdays; Kelsey Anna performs from 7-10 p.m. Thursdays; and Redd Sings from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesdays with DJ Shane beginning at 10 p.m. Shag Music & Dance Class is held from 5-7 p.m. Sundays with Ben Friedman from 7-10 p.m.
Rudy Applewhite
Tommy Bahama’s Restaurant & Bar, 525 Grand Blvd. in Sandestin, presents Rudy Applewhite from 4-9 p.m. every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Call 654-1743,
Dannica Lowery
Dannica Lowery performs live from 6-9 p.m. every Tuesday at Shorty’s Surfside Bar, 63 Hotz Ave. in Grayton Beach. Call 468-0417.
Fusion fitness classes
Hope Lutheran Church, 3422 U.S. 98 W in Santa Rosa Beach, will offer fusion fitness classes at 9 a.m. Thursdays. Attendees may bring a mat, towel, water and light hand weights. Suggested donation is $5. Call 267-0322.
Jazz class
Jasmine Dance Studio in Santa Rosa Beach will hold a ladies adult jazz class from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursday. Call 217-6620 for more information.
Low Country Boil
723 Whiskey Bravo, 3031 E. County Hwy. 30-A in the heart of Old Seagrove, offers a Low Country Shrimp Boil with boiled shrimp or crawfish and all the fixin’s plus live music from 3-7 p.m. Sundays. Call 213-0015.
Thursday thread therapy
Needlers, knitters, crocheters and others come for free therapy from 4-6 p.m. Thursdays on the porch at Yards N Yarn, 3770 Co. Hwy. 3280 in Freeport. Call 880-6404.
Seaside Farmers Market
Get your pick of fresh produce, baked goods, dairy products, native plants and other unique offerings during Market on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon in the Amphitheatre behind Raw & Juicy. Enjoy special cooking demos and activities.
Amateur Radio Club
The Chautauqua Amateur Radio Club of DeFuniak Springs/Walton County meets at 6:30 p.m. the last Tuesday of every month at McLean's Restaurant near I10 and 331 South. This club welcomes new and old Ham Radio operators. There are no business meetings on these Tuesdays. We have classes and a great time together. Call 892-2562 or email kj4jah@arrl.net.
Rotary Club of South Walton
The Rotary Club of South Walton meets for breakfast at 7:30 a.m. each Thursday morning at the Embassy Suites, Scenic Hwy. 98 in Miramar Beach. Visiting Rotarians and their guests are welcome. Call 267-2929.
Herman Lodge
Herman Lodge #108 Free and Accepted Masons will meet at 7 p.m. first and third Tuesdays of each month on Madison Street in Freeport. Call 835-2314.
Eastern Star
The Order of the Eastern Star #281 meets at 7:30 p.m. the first and third Fridays of each month at Herman Lodge on Madison Street in Freeport. Call 835-2314.
SHRM Chapter
A Society of Human Resource Management Chapter in Walton County will meet at 8 a.m. the first Thursday of the month at TJ’s Table in Freeport. The group is open to all individuals involved in any aspect of human resources. Email rpazik@jobsplus02.com or call 892-8668, ext. 215.
Town Planters
The Town Planters of Freeport will meet at 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month at the Blount House on Kylea Laird Road. Call 835-5611.
NOVEMBER
Flutterby Festival
One of South Walton's premier events celebrating the migration of the Monarch Butterfly, Flutterby Festival takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 10 and 11 at Rosemary Beach's South Barrett Square, Main Street and Western Green. The event provides live music, interactive storytelling, animal encounters and an array of artists, vendors and exhibitors. A master gardener will be on hand teaching children the art of building a butterfly garden. The fun-filled day also includes a butterfly costume parade at 3 p.m., street games, face painting, and street and mural painting. The event is free. Call 622-5970.
Book Lover’s Club
The Coastal Library Book Lover’s Club will be held from 10-11 a.m. Nov. 13 in the community room of the Coastal Branch Library, 437 Greenway Trail in Santa Rosa Beach. New members are welcome along with their friends. Book to be discussed is Jane Austen’s work of choice.. Call 267-2809 or visit www.youseemore.com/walton.
• Dec. 11: “State of Wonder” by Ann Patchett
• Jan. 8: “The Tenderness of Wolves” by Stef Penney
• Feb. 12: “In the Sanctuary of Outcasts” by Neil White Jackie
• March 12: “Unbroken” by Laura Hillenbrand
• April 9: “The Dressmaker of Khair Khan” by Gayle T. Lemmon